DrinkWire is Liquor.com’s showcase for the best articles, recipes and reviews from the web’s top writers and bloggers. In this post, Caroline's Cooking offers a sparkling sipper.

Sangria is a summer classic, but cava sangria is that bit more special. Light, refreshing and a wonderful mix of fruit and cava’s bubbles. Quick to make, it’s an easy cocktail perfect for any occasion from summer BBQs to holiday parties.

When I lived in Spain, I didn’t actually have sangria all that often. More typically, we drank wine (usually red) or beer, plus some cocktails in Madrid. Most special occasions, and sometimes just any old excuse to get together, meant cracking open some cava. Now and again, though, we would enjoy a pitcher of sangria. And one of the times I remember most was when we had cava sangria.

I had already grown to love cava which I find massively under-appreciated outside of Spain. Champagne gets the glory but I find some cavas have a much rounder flavor that I personally prefer. But then I maybe shouldn’t promote it too much as it’s quite nice being a lot cheaper. Anyway, I was a bit worried this would ruin it for me. But the thing to remember about sangria is it’s really a different drink. Yes, it’s mainly wine – in this case sparkling – but it’s transformed with the fruity additions and little kick from a spirit of two.

How it’s made

With a regular sangria (and my white sangria), you are often best to leave it to chill and for the flavors to mingle a bit before serving. Cava sangria is different. At most you mix up the fruit, juice and spirits but you don’t want to add the cava until right before serving so you don’t lose the bubbles. Otherwise, though, it’s very similar. Mix some orange juice, a little lemon and an orange liqueur (grand marnier, triple sec etc). You can also add brandy but it’s up to you if you want it stronger or not. Add chopped fruit, mix it up then carefully add the cava and serve over ice.

Cava sangria has a lovely slight bubbliness, plenty of fruity flavors and is a lovely light drink. But don’t be fooled, there’s a bit of a lingering kick, too. It’s the perfect drink for a party, or even just a lazy summer afternoon when you feel like something different. Whatever the excuse, find one and give this easy drink a try.

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